Relative brain size in the mammalian carnivores of the Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

Relative brain sizes (encephalization quotients; EO) of the 30Cape mammalian carnivores were calculated by regressingcranial volume against body mass. Within this taxon relativebrain size appears to show no association with sociality, loco·motion, activity regimen or habitat, but is positively correlatedwith body mass. It is suggested that EO may be associatedwith feeding efficiency which is in turn positively correlatedwith body mass.